Body of missing 20-year-old found in burned car in impound lot, Tennessee police say

The remains of a missing 20-year-old were discovered in the back seat of a burned car at an impound lot, Tennessee authorities said.

Investigators positively identified the body as Jaderius Webb.

Shortly before 4 a.m. July 20, Memphis firefighters put out a blaze that had “completely engulfed” a vehicle, according to a July 24 news release from the Memphis Police Department.

Police said they took photos, filled out a report and had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. That night, no one saw the burned remains in the back seat of the vehicle, police said.

Later that day, Webb’s family reported him missing to the Horn Lake Police Department in Mississippi, saying he hadn’t been seen since the night before.

Friends and family put out calls on social media for help finding Webb, who also went by JD.

“Please if anybody has seen JD or know his whereabouts, who he was last with or whatever, please say something,” one person wrote on Facebook. “This young man is one of the sweetest I have ever encountered.”

Two days later, an investigator with the Memphis Police Department revisited the vehicle.

The officer was trying to verify the registration of the car, but on closer inspection, discovered charred remains, police said.

The body was presumed to be Webb’s, but the Shelby County medical examiner didn’t immediately confirm who it was, according to Horn Lake police.

Memphis police told McClatchy News on July 29 the victim had been identified as Webb.

Those who knew Webb called him the “realest and kindest soul,” in a series of social media tributes.

A friend shared that with him, “it was always smiles and laughs.”

Law enforcement is investigating his death as a homicide. Memphis police said it’s internally reviewing the incident, per routine.

This story was originally published July 29, 2024 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Body of missing 20-year-old found in burned car in impound lot, Tennessee police say."